An estimated 7,000 packed into the visiting section at Old Trafford.

That was just the Premier League scouts monitoring the sizzling senors from Athletic Bilbao.

In Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez, Bilbao boast two of the most desired and seemingly attainable players in La Liga. This was not so much an audition to potential suitors as a reminder of their stupidity for not snatching them from the Basque country sooner.

Llorente is considered an oddity in Spain, perceived as a rather more orthodox English style centre forward with stature, power and an eye for goal.

As anyone with experience of some of England’s more towering strikers will testify, Llorente would actually qualify as unconventional should he come here given his touch and movement is evidently far superior.

Fourteen months ago he was Liverpool’s first choice before they turned their attention towards Andy Carroll. On this evidence, that looks a bit like settling in desperation for a date with Kate Adie when you had your heart set on Kate Moss.

As early as the ninth minute Llorente twisted his way into space before unleashing a shot inches past David De Gea’s left post. Minutes later, a gliding run resembled the last (once) successful Spanish import called Fernando, as Llorente was Torres-esque (circa 2007-09)

like with his turn of pace. In fact, if anything it was his aerial prowess which seemed most suspect when an acceptable header bounced wastefully over the bar on 30 minutes. He soon put that right a minute before half time when he pounced to head Bilbao’s equaliser.

Regardless of the outcome, there was enough to convince all observers it was not a question of whether you’d bid for such a player, but how much you’d be prepared or obliged to pay.

Llorente did not shine alone.

English spectators continue to be both enthralled and depressed by the brilliance of the emerging Spanish, as there is little suggestion their current golden era will soon rust.

Bilbao may only be fourth in their own championship, but there were plentiful moments when their possession sounded echoes of Wembley last May, when United were spectators in their own Champions League final against Barcelona.

The churlish criticism of the Basque side would be they were Barca-lite, but it is not a derogatory observation. Being a few places inferior to the Spanish champions would be enough to batter most Premier League teams.

Anders Herrera, another who will surely have caught the attention the scouts with the biggest wallets, performed an impressive audition for the Xavi role, as the usual Spanish midfield protection racket took control of the ball and it demanded the fullest exertion of Manchester muscle to get it back.

Martinez is possibly most coveted of the Bilbao contingent.

Playing at centre back, the contrast with United’s Phil Jones was unavoidable given their careers seem to have symmetrical quality as they shift positions.

Former defender Jones was thrust into midfield, the position from which Martinez orchestrated last summer’s European Under 21 championships as the young Spaniards’ skipper.

He didn’t catch the eye as much as in Denmark, as United’s own occasional vibrancy in attack contributed to another evening which elevated the Europa League well beyond the banality many had feared after their Champions League exit.

The Athletic fans, a record breaking travelling contingent for any European tie at Old Trafford, contributed to an occasion more fitting for the higher tier competition.

Whoever emerges triumphant from the tie, the supposedly fourth best side in Spain provided more exposure to the myth it is the Premier League that is the world’s strongest.

It is no surprise that in order to restore the balance, our wealthiest clubs will need to lure more of Spain’s finest overseas.